Each day as we count down to the April 18 announcement of the Minnesota Book Awards, we highlight one of the thirty-two finalists. Today we feature 2015 Children’s Literature finalist Michael Hall.
It’s an Orange Aardvark! by Michael Hall
Published by Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins Publishers
Category Sponsor: Books for Africa
It is a stormy day and five little carpenter ants at home in a tree stump hear a loud noise. One ant creates a peephole so he and the others can investigate the outside world. But is this a good strategy? What if a hungry aardvark is nearby? Orange light floods the stump—it’s not an aardvark, proclaims the ant chorus. It’s orange! So what is lurking outside the stump? This very funny picture book features die-cut holes on almost every page, suspenseful page turns, a wonderful surprise ending, and an introduction to a rainbow of colors.
Michael Hall is the author/illustrator of The New York Times bestseller, My Heart Is Like a Zoo (winner of 2011 Minnesota Book Award for Children’s Literature), as well as the critically acclaimed Perfect Square and Cat Tale. He lives in Minneapolis.
The reviews are in:
“Hall makes every word count in this spirited story. Book design and layout are clever with bright colors and randomly spaced windows to engage young readers.” — Portland Book Review
“Acclaimed New York Times-bestselling picture book creator Michael Hall delivers a funny and suspenseful story about colors, ants, aardvarks, and rainbows that will appeal to Lois Ehlert fans and fans of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle.” — Kids Reads
“With It’s an Orange Aardvark!, Michael Hall takes readers on a brilliantly creative trip through the color spectrum as five ants try to figure out what’s causing the commotion outside their home.” — Children’s Book Club
“Silly, simple and fun, this imaginative book appeals to a wide age range and promotes curiosity while making readers laugh out loud.” – Minnesota Book Awards Judge
Links:
Book Trailer from HarperCollins:
Join us at the Awards Gala!
Award winners will be announced at the 27th Annual Minnesota Book Awards Gala on Saturday, April 18 at the historic St. Paul Union Depot. The opening reception begins at 7 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50 and are available by visiting www.thefriends.org/gala.
Have you read It’s an Orange Aardvark!? What are your thoughts? We welcome your comments!